IdentificationOval-leaved blueberry is a perennial deciduous spreading shrub growing to 2 m tall, with strongly angled and grooved brown, yellow or reddish twigs. The blunt-tipped oval leaves are 2-4 cm long and usually have smooth edges, though there may occasionally be a few very fine teeth. Flowers are creamy to yellow pink, 5-6 mm long, oval/bell shaped and growing individually in leaf axils. These flowers appear either before or at the same time as the leaves. The edible berries, measuring 6-8 mm in diameter, are purple to reddish black when they ripen in summer.

Habitat & RangeOval-leaved blueberry is found in dry to moist coniferous forests at mid to alpine elevations. It can be found from Alaska down the Pacific Coast to Oregon, and east through Alberta and the Northwest Territories as well as in Newfoundland, Labrador, Quebec, and the Maritimes.

Human UsesThe oval-leaved blueberry was traditionally used by all coastal aboriginal groups within its range. The berries were dried (taste like raisins), eaten fresh, preserved in oil or grease, or baked into cakes. ​